The MAFF Standard Soil Analysis and the Irish short soil tests only require a small portion of soil in the sample box:

b) Intermediate Analysis
This analysis is recommended for fields that have been previously tested using the Full Mineral Analysis. While giving more information than the basic MAFF test, it does not give the full depth analysis required to give the complete picture required for fields being tested for the first time.

c) Full Mineral Analysis – Full Test
This report extends the MAFF soil test by expressing macro-elements (K, Mg, Ca, Na, H) in terms of % cation exchange capacity. In addition, a full range of trace elements are analysed. The purpose of this report is to assess the overall “available” nutrient status of the soil from which both fertiliser and foliar applications can be recommended. This analysis is intended for fields being tested for the first time.

For the full test it is essential that the sample box is completely full:

The MAFF short test and the more comprehensive soil analysis have been combined into a single report.

The purpose of this combined report is not only to enable an interpretation of the soil analysis to be undertaken quickly by reference to a coloured line in a “Very Low-Low-Mean-High-Very High” band, but also to produce fertiliser recommendations. These take the form of recommending N-P-K-S soil based fertilisers (kg/hectare).